While thousands are taking to the streets in Iran today to mark the 31st anniversary of the revolution, the Iranian opposition movement is planning to hijack official celebrations despite threats of a widespread crackdown.

Human rights groups across the world have condemned the execution of two men arrested during protests that followed Iran's disputed presidential election in 2009. Mohammad Reza Ali-Zamani and Arash Rahmanipour were hanged last week.

Amnesty International has condemned the “wholly avoidable” deaths of up to 15 people in Iran during the recent Ashoura religious commemorations. The Iranian government has also been criticised for its treatment of protesters.

Human rights groups have entered last minute pleas to the Iran to halt the imminent execution of a Kurdish man sentenced to death for "enmity against God" in connection with his alleged membership of an opposition group.

The Iranian authorities must immediately release dozens of people arrested last week during a prayer service in support of activists detained following protests after June’s presidential election, Amnesty International has said.